So you've finally found a new home that you love! Now the real fun begins... packing! Here are some moving tips that will make your life much easier.

1.) Pack an overnight bag with all of your essentials. Chances are, you’ll be too tired to unpack your things at your new home immediately. You’ll want your essentials within easy access, including a change of clothes if you’re going back to work the next day as well as all your toiletries. It’s also a great way to transport a laptop, which could run the risk of getting stolen during a move.

5.) Be sure to label your boxes on the side, not the top. Don't forget to include which room they'll go to, as well as what's inside.

6.) If possible, show up at your new home before the move to clean the kitchen and bathrooms. Put up a new shower curtain liner and stock some new bath towels and toilet paper, as well. You’ll want to take a hot shower after a long day of moving.

7.) Cover the openings of your toiletries with saran wrap, then put the caps back on. This will prevent all your bottles from leaking during the move.

8.) Pack plates vertically, like records. They'll be less likely to break.

9.) Keep drawers in tact by covering them with Press 'n Seal. Dresser drawers are like their own moving boxes — this will keep you from having to unpack and re-fold their contents.

10.) Keep sandwich bags handy for holding any small parts of things you have to take apart, like curtain rods or mounted flat-screen TVs. Tape the sandwich bag to the back of the item they correspond to.

11.) Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and where all the wires go.

12.) Cut down on boxes by making all of your baskets, laundry bins, hampers, and suitcases work for you. Use the wheeled suitcases for heavy things like books.

13.) Vacuum seal your out of season clothing.

14.) Change your address two weeks prior to moving. This might seem like a no-brainer for important things like utilities and cable but don’t sweat the small stuff. You’ve also got Amazon, PayPal, credit cards, your bank, magazine subscriptions, and your mail to worry about.

15.) Defrost your refrigerator at least a day before moving, and wipe up any liquid.

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